Mark Merideth
Mark Meredith and the Dazzling Super Chipmunk "Chippy"
When Captain Mark Meredith takes to the skies, it’s more than a flight — it’s a time machine, a roaring tribute to the golden age of aerobatics! Mark, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and decorated aviator, has transformed his lifelong passion for flying into an unforgettable airshow experience, piloting his stunning 1951 de Havilland DHC-1 "Super Chipmunk," affectionately known as Chippy.
From Navy Captain to Airshow Star
Mark's flying career began at the U.S. Naval Academy, leading to a distinguished 26-year journey as a Bombardier/Navigator in the A-6E Intruder, flying from the decks of mighty aircraft carriers like the USS Theodore Roosevelt. After retiring, Mark didn’t hang up his wings — he reinvented them, earning his pilot’s license at 47 and launching into the world of competitive aerobatics and airshow performances.
Today, when he's not dazzling crowds at airshows, he trains the next generation of pilots at the Navy Annapolis Flight Center in Maryland — giving even rookie pilots the thrill of flying inverted in "Chippy"!
Meet "Chippy" — A Legendary Super Chipmunk
Originally serving with the Royal Air Force, "Chippy" lived many lives — as a military trainer, a rugged crop duster in Australia, and finally a beloved airshow performer. When Mark acquired the aircraft, it was tired and worn. Over five years and 5,000 hours, he meticulously rebuilt it, infusing it with modern firepower while preserving its vintage spirit.
Now equipped with a 280 HP AEIO-540 Thunderbolt engine, and polished to perfection, "Chippy" stands as a Champion Custom Classic Aircraft — earning the prestigious Experimental Aircraft Association’s Lindbergh Award for restoration excellence.
The Airshow Routine: Pure Energy and Classic Style
Mark Meredith’s aerobatic routine is pure, flowing energy — a blend of vintage elegance and modern intensity that leaves crowds cheering! His precision flying showcases timeless maneuvers like:
Inside and outside loops
Graceful slow rolls
Tumbling hammerheads
Vertical 8s
And the breathtaking Cloverleaf maneuver — his personal favorite and a signature crowd-pleaser!
Every twist, dive, and roll of "Chippy" is choreographed to echo the spirit of legendary showmen like Art Scholl, but with Mark’s own polished, high-energy flair. With its open cockpit and dazzling art-deco paint scheme, "Chippy" soars not just through the skies — but straight into the hearts of aviation lovers everywhere.
Competitive Successes
Mark’s skills don’t just shine in the airshow circuit — they’ve earned him accolades in the world of competitive aerobatics too. Flying in International Aerobatic Club (IAC) competitions, Mark has won numerous awards, consistently impressing judges with his precise flying and masterful control. His performances are celebrated for their energy management, sharp technique, and old-school artistry, making him a respected competitor and a true ambassador for classic aerobatic flying.
